Wayne Rooney says 'Plymouth Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart' after he parted ways with the Championship strugglers. The Manchester United legend, who was appointed as Argyle's new head coach in the summer, has lost his job following a woeful run of form.

The Devon-based club have not won since a narrow 1-0 victory over Portsmouth on November 5. They have since endured a rotten nine-game winless run that has included 4-0 losses at Bristol City and Coventry City, as well as a brutal 6-1 thrashing against Norwich City.

In that period, Plymouth have collected just three points and it's a run of results that has seen them drop right to the bottom of the Championship. Following Sunday's 2-0 loss at relegation rivals Oxford United, Argyle sit 24th, four points adrift of safety after 23 matches.

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And now, Plymouth have acted and decided to part ways with Rooney. Speaking after his dismissal, the ex-United and Everton forward told the club's website: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, in particular Simon Hallett and Neil Dewsnip who I shared great relationships with.

"Thanks also to all the staff who made me feel welcome and who make the club such a special place, the players and fans for their efforts and support during my time as Head Coach and I wish them all the best for the future.

"To the Green Army thanks for making the games at Home Park so special, they are memories that we will share forever. I would also like to give a special mention to my coaching staff Kevin Nancekivell, Simon Ireland, Darryl Flahavan and Mike Phelan for their knowledge, dedication, help and support.

"Plymouth Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to look out for and take interest in their results."

A club statement read: "Plymouth Argyle can confirm that the club and Head Coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect.

"Departing the club with Rooney will be Assistant Head Coach Mike Phelan and first team coach Simon Ireland. First team coach Kevin Nancekivell and Club Captain Joe Edwards will lead the team for our Sky Bet Championship match against Bristol City on New Year’s Day. Daryl Flahavan will continue as Goalkeeping coach.

"We would like to thank Wayne and his team for all their efforts and wish them well for the future. The club will be making no further comment at this stage with updates on our new first team management staff in due course."